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The 12 Shapes Of Trinny and Susannah

September 1, 2008 by 330 Comments

The more I learn about body shape the more resistant I am to actually defining a shape. One of the things that I, personally, have gained from writing this website is a greater measure of understanding of my own body and the shape that it is. How that translates into choosing clothing is still somewhat confusing and something I’m working my way through, actually as I write this website.

I do know that I don’t like the four categories I started off with. The issues with the use of the term pear basically highlighted the need for more appropriate classification. I want to further illustrate this point by examining the 12 shapes that Trinny and Susannah have identified – hourglass, cello, vase, bell, skittle, goblet, pear, lollipop, cornet, apple, column and brick.

The four categories I started with are hourglass, triangle, pear and rectangle. What shape you fall into is simple enough to define based on some simple measurements. These categories can be broken down even further into the types that Trinny and Susannah have identified.

UPDATE: Need some help finding your shape – take the Trinny and Susannah body shape quiz.

HOURGLASS = PROPORTIONATE

1. HOURGLASS – big tits, small waist, short waist, big hips, generous thighs

What really defines an hourglass is her tiny waist.

2. CELLO – big boobs, short waist, big hips, big bottom, big thighs, slim lower legs

A cello is an hourglass with a little extra around the middle which pretty much removes the tiny waist.

Ophrah WinfreyKirstie Alley

3. VASE - big tits, gently curving longer waist, hips equal tits, slim thighs and legs

A vase is sort of stretched out hourglass. A vase is very much defined by her height.

 

Kate WinsletGeena Davis

PEAR SHAPE = BIGGER ON BOTTOM

4. BELL – small shoulders, small tits, small waist, big thighs, big bottom

A bell’s breasts and waist are fairly similar size with all the extra on the bottom.

5. SKITTLE – average tits, slim waist, ok tummy, big thighs, chunky calves

A skittle has curvaceous thighs and bottom but is smaller on top.

Halle BerryMeryl Streep

6. PEAR – small tits, long waist, flat tummy, saddlebags, heavy legs

A pear is characterized by extra weight on the outer thighs.

Sandra Bullock

TRIANGLE – BIGGER ON TOP

7. LOLLIPOP – big tits, slight waist, slim hips, long legs

The majority of celebrities fall into this category.

Uma Thurman

8. CORNET – broad shoulders, small boobs, no waist, slim hips, long slim legs

Take away the big breasts and the shape becomes almost boyish.

Cameron DiazNaomi Campbell

9. GOBLET – broad shoulders, big boobs, no waist, narrow hips, long legs

And sometimes you’re just plain bigger on top.

Catherine Zeta Jones

 

RECTANGLE = EXTRA IN THE MIDDLE

10. APPLE – average tits, tummy bigger than tips, quiet flat bottom, OK legs

For this shape your stomach dictates how your dress, being the widest part.

Beth DittoKathy Bates

11. COLUMN – shoulder width the same as hips, slight waist, longer legs

A column is tall and has no waist rather than extra – like an, um, column.

Gwyneth PaltrowNicole Kidman

12. BRICK – Broad shoulders, no waist, average tummy, flat bum, chunky thighs, chunky calves

A shorter and wider version of the column, again with no waist.

Kim Cattrall

And there you have the 12 shapes of Trinny and Susannah. I think these definitions are more useful that the simple four simply because it begins to really breakdown the categories in each group.

So what category are you? I am a cello.

LISA

PS: If you’re thinking of buying Trinny and Susannah’s Body Shape Bible, please click here.

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About Lisa

I love clothes and in particular shoes but I'm just such a funky shape I find it hard to find stuff that works for me. I needed a little help and that led to my work on this blog. Turns out I love writing too, as well as helping people so I'm really onto a winner here!

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  • Hallie

    i don’t think i fit into any of these! i have small tits, broud shoulders, a small, defined waist, wide hips, a big butt, and muscular thighs and calves. which category would i fit into?

  • http://lisarutland.com Lisa Rutland

    We come in such a range of different shapes that it really is impossible to define a group for every person; for the most part very few people will fit exactly into a group, rather having the majority of the characteristics of two or more groups. You’d be either a cello or a pear with broad shoulders.

  • sophie

    I’m a bell yay. But why only one example for a bell and two for all the other body shapes…no fair lol.

    I think Lily Allen (british songwriter/singer) is a bell shape and also Kelly Clarkson. Bells are mostly shorter, bottom heavy girls with waists that aren’t long enough to be considered pear or skittle shapes.

    http://images.teamsugar.com/files/users/0/3987/19_2007/LilyAllen_Richa_13926241_600.jpg

    http://mtblog.glamour.com/fashionbeauty__insider/images/bty070831-4.jpg

  • J

    It seems I’m a vase according to the littlewoods test that existed before “very.co.uk” came about.

    I do have a lot of extra fat around my middle, so if I’m not careful, I end up looking more like an apple or a box though…

    But I’ve found dressing up similar to Kelly Brook but with less skin tend to look relatively decent on me..

    the best thing to really find out the fit is to try on different clothing style that you think you are (I tried apple, goblet, and vase, and vase came out on top) and see which one looks the best to both yourself and to others, and usually that is the “body type” you are.

  • casey

    i have small tits a big ass wide hips a semi small waist broad shoulders slender legs and arms wtf im weird

  • Jennifer

    I am like Casey; small tits, big ass, wide hips and a tummy. but I have big arms and slender sholder and fat legs. I am weird too. This article didn’t help me, it left me more confused!

  • http://lisarutland.com Lisa Rutland

    I understand you’re confused Jennifer. There are so many people in the world and so many different shapes that selecting just 12 is not going to cover everyone.

    The whole idea of defining a body shape is to give you direction in finding clothes.

    What really matters is you find somthing that fits and flatters you.

    I’m sorry I couldn’t be more help. Keep trying though, and keep experimenting.

  • Melissa

    I’m an hourglass. The problem I have though is that most clothes in the stores are made for what my sister and I call the “plank” or person with no curves. I returned 4 pencil skirts the other day because the waist was as big as the hip measurement. I constantly have to wear a belt with my clothes to make them fit me better since I’m a bit challenged with a sewing needle.

  • ann

    I can never find a dress that seems to suit me.I have big hips,rather a lot of midfiff,not particularily lge boobs(38b)I can fit into a size 14 as I have a decent waistline.Its my hips and middle I hate. what sort of dress would suit.

  • shelly

    My first reaction is … why in the world do you refer to breasts as TITS??? How tacky can you get? Call them boobs if you must. You sound like an 50 year old male pig!!
    By the way, I do not fit into any of these body types. I am medium height, thin, small hips, not much waist, small breasts, and a fairly flat behind. I know I should wear heels, but I love cute, classic flats! I need to know ideas of how to dress for my shape, so I can still look classic, sexy, and not too plain for my shape. This site does not help me at all.

  • http://lisarutland.com Lisa Rutland

    Thanks for your comment Shelly.

    Tits is the choice of Trinny and Susannah. They’re British and that’s the way they speak. I apologise for any offense.

    Most people don’t fit into any body type classification. We simply come in too many shapes and sizes for that.

    Good luck with your search.

  • Natalie

    I actually find these 12 body shapes misleading, so much so I bought the book and then quickly re-sold it. These “12″ body shapes are actually just variations on a theme, the vase, cello, column and hourglass, are all basically one and the same, they might as well have called them Hourglass 1, 2, 3 or 4!! FWIW, I am a short tiny waisted, long legged, big shouldered fat hourglass, my thighs are proportionate, and always have been, so by that reckoning I am neither an hourglass, cello, vase or a column!! What rubbish. And if Sandra Bullock and Katie Holmes are pears, then absolutely anybody could be a pear. T & S missed the mark with this absurdly confusing book. Women come in four basic shapes, and the endless variations on a theme in The Body Shape Bible just proves it.

  • jade

    i don’t know what i am? I have broad shoulders, small boobs, no waist no hips a round bum, long waist and short legs. I am 29″ 29″ 31″

  • http://lisarutland.com Lisa Rutland

    @ Jade: I would say you are close to a column, or possibly a brick. Probably somewhere in between as most people are.

  • http://lisarutland.com Lisa Rutland

    I agree with you Natalie. They do come in the four basic shapes – bigger on top, bigger on bottom, bigger in the middle or hourglass.

    That said very few women fit exactly into one shape. We simply have far too many variations in our body. I also think the whole “body shape” criteria is misleading in and of itself. Really what we’re trying to achieve is some insight into how to dress more flattering to our shape and that is subjective. For instance I have proportionate thighs as well but it’s one of the areas of my body I like to minimize. You may feel differently.

  • Jackie

    What body type am I?
    Shoulders – 41″
    Bust – 40″
    Waist 32″
    Hips – 41″
    Thighs – 22-23.5″
    Height – 5′ 3″
    Age – 43
    I’ve spent hours in front of the mirror naked as well as trying out different outfits n even roped in my hubby to help identify my shape! Still cannot figure out whether I’m a cello, hourglass or vase! Please help!

  • http://lisarutland.com Lisa Rutland

    Hey Jackie – I’d say you’re more of an hourglass with elements of cello. You’re too short to be a vase, although you’ll find that some things that work for a vase will also work for you. Its really just a question of testing.

    As an hourglass, and petite with it, your goal will be long simple lines that highlight you great waist. You’re quite busty as well so keep necklines open with v-necks or scoops.

    Hourglasses also benefit from a more classic look that plays up the curves rather than a relaxed, casual image. Its unfair but that’s how it is.

  • Izabelle

    I dont fit in to any of those shapes etiher!:( I have small and quiet narrow shoulders, 75(36)B bresats, a small chest with a well marked waist, but after the waist i have like a thick fat blob that just stuck over the lower part of the belly, and then it gets slim over the hips and down to the feets, heheh. An example; jeans in about 27 fits around the tummy, but are waay to big around the thighs. A pair of jeans in 25-26 fits perfect around the thighs but i cant pull up the zipper.

  • Kylie

    Yay I’m going shopping for clothes on the weekend! I am tall and skinny with broad shoulders, small tits, slight defined waist, slim hips and long legs – think I’m a Cornet. I don’t think the problem is in knowing my body shape – I do know what clothes to wear IF I can get them. The problem is that so many affordable clothes are so poorly made and misshapen which really makes shopping difficult and unpleasant. Not so excited now.

  • Jane

    I am Trinny and Susannah’s biggest fan. I am yet to find someone that does not fit into one of these shapes, or cross over two of them. I now find myself walking down the steet, looking at people and identifying their shape due to mistakes they have made with their clothing. It’s all about balancing your top and bottom half, and defining your waist, or creating the illusion of one if you don’t have one! Use patterns, colors or detail to draw attention to your good bits and to diguise the bad. Some people find it hard to pick their shape because they may be in denial. Get in a swimsuit, ask an honest friend to help you. Think about your problem areas and try to relate them to the shapes listed. When you start to understand it, it will change the way you pick your clothes forever! Most of the people commenting above could identify a shape to their description. Try not to look at the pictures, really think about the descriptions. They are all celeb pics, dressed in clothes that are hiding their bad bits!

  • jess

    I have no idea wat i am either !! i have searched for a good test to help me but can’t find any :( i am dying to no my body shape so i can get into clothes that flatter me and make me look good!! rather then doing me no justice, i have small shoulders my collarbone chest area always stays slim shoulders and hips are around the same ….. my legs a in proportionto my body and my bum is to my boobs are a b – c cup as well so everything is pretty much in proportion i have a bit of fat in my inner thighs and lower tummy though help !! ???? thanks

  • jess

    ohh and im also average height to about 5,6 5,7 i think ??

  • http://lisarutland.com Lisa Rutland

    It’s really not that much information to go on I’m afraid.

    What particular issues do you have? For instance – when you get dressed do you think “I hate my stomach” or “my thighs are huge” or whatever. Also, what do you like? Do you think “I have great arms” or “check out my butt in this”

    The whole idea of body shape is to give you a general idea of what sort of clothes to try. At the end of the day though it’s not so much a question of your shape as it is of highlighting your best assets and minimizing your flaws.

  • victoria

    I dont really fit in to any of these. I do class my self as a slim person but with hips. I have 34C boobs, small bum, thin legs, avarage shoulders but very curvy hips and a bit of a tummy and a small waist. What am i?

  • http://lisarutland.com Lisa Rutland

    Hi Victoria

    It would depend on the width of your shoulders I’d say. It’s a question of whether you’re bigger on top or bigger on the bottom, or fairly equal.

    Really at the end of the day it’s only a rough guide to help with choosing clothes.

  • jess-jess

    i fit into the shape called “the masterpiece” :)

    in fact, we all do!

  • http://www.earthchicknits.wordpress.com earthchick

    This is such a fascinating post! I have typically considered myself an apple, b/c I tend to hold any extra weight in my belly. But after taking the simple measurements you linked to, it’s clear that I’m actually a triangle. The thing is, I can’t figure out what kind of triangle I am. Can you help?
    shoulders – 41
    bust – 37.5
    waist – 31
    hips – 37.5

    Am I somewhere between a cornet and a lollipop? (I don’t consider my figure to be boyish – my bust seems too big to be a cornet – but not big enough to be a lollipop or a goblet)

  • http://lisarutland.com Lisa Rutland

    The best thing to do is, well, let it go and focus on what you like and what you want to minimize. You have the whole “classic” hourglass thing going on with your bust and hip measurements so focus on playing up your waist. With being a triangle you need to also watch that balance is not thrown off by your shoulders.

    Traditionally there are four types of body shapes, which Trinny and Susannah have broken down even further into twelve, but even then the shapes defined are not enough to cover the huge array of shapes we come in.

  • Lily

    Help! I think I’m a cello, but Im not sure because I have also been compared to an apple and ruler (similar to goblet but without the long legs)!

    I’m 5’4″ and I have a flat bottom, ok breasts, little waist, and a bit of a tummy (I had a baby 9 months ago). My measurements are 37.5-34-39

    Thanks!

  • Lily

    I also have a short waist…

  • http://lisarutland.com Lisa Rutland

    Hi Lily

    I would definitely say a cello. But, as with everyone, you will also fit into a couple of different shapes. I’m a cello as well but also have some characteristics of a pear and a vase.

    The idea is not to rigidly go with one shape, but rather pick a couple, and try the different ideas from each.

  • http://yahoo.com lauren

    hi,im lauren i can not tell the diffrence between lolipop and brick? but maybe lolipop defintley ima lolipop and i had a baby and no all that baby fat and im still a lolipop i am trying to lose waight befor i go to the beach on spring break(i have dauther who is 7 and has spring break) sooo i have been going on a diite and that is not helping………………………………i need help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • http://lisarutland.com Lisa Rutland

    Hi Lauren

    The shapes here have very little to do with size. You can be a lolipop in a size 6 or a size 16. Plus your shape is unlikely to change as you get bigger or smaller.

    I’m not altogether sure what help I can offer in terms of dieting. In terms of dressing I suggest determining what you like and showcasing that in your outfits. For instance if you have great breasts then work with flattering tops that draw the eye upward. Or maybe it’s your legs that you like. The idea being change your focus from your many imperfections and try and find something positive to focus on.

  • Mindy

    Nice going I like your take on body shapes! I still can’t quite find my shape though…I think it most closely resembles the “brick” but I have a big stick-out bum…from the front you wouldn’t guess at all because I’m not hippy and look fairly rectangular,but if I turn to the side, that’s a shole different story! Everything else is quite brick-like unfortunately! Couldn’t I be “stretched” into a column?

  • flower

    hi i am a34/36 b my waist is the smallest part of me but i have a flabby tummy eide hips lagre thighs and no leg shape my legs just kind of look like my ankles are all one. i’d love to find a dress to wear.any he;p and any idea to if im a skittle or ? many thanks.

  • http://lisarutland.com Lisa Rutland

    Hey Flower

    Look for a dress that’s fitted through the top and then flares out from the hips. It will disguise your hips and make the most of your top half. The idea length is just hitting your knee. I know you feel you’ve got cankles going on but where the calf meets the knee is usually the skinniest part of the leg and showing it off tricks the eye into thinking the leg is shapely. Avoid shoes with an ankle strap as they cut up the line of the leg and make the ankle look wider. Go for a chunky heel if you can find one that still looks good.

    Another option is a maxi dress, depending on the occasion. This is an empire waisted (just below your bust) and drops from there to the floor. It suits everyone but the bigger busted and comes in many, many shapes and sizes. Wear with a flat shoe and nice cardigan during the day or with heels and nice wrap at night.

    As to whether or not you’re a skittle – these outlines are just to give you an idea of where to look and what will or will not work for your particular shape. No one is likely to fit exactly into a devisive shape be it four or twelve. You are more likely to be across a couple or even three. I myself am a cello with leanings toward skittle, except I have big breasts so that pretty much throws things off.

  • Michelle

    I originally thought I posted my comment on this article, but I think I put it in the wrong article :/ oh well. Either way I really appreciate this article! I found other websites with the 12 body shapes, but I like the common-sense definitions for each shape. I was stuck between hourglass and cello, but now I’m definitely positive I’m a cello. Time to slim down my waist and love handles so I can become the hourglass I was meant to be :)

  • Amy

    Hey lisa i dont know if fit into any of these types , I have a 36 bust 27.5 waist and a 37.5 hips ? and i’m 5’1 with 28 inch legs which are slim, i have no idea how to dress to my shape.

  • Amy

    Oh and i’m a size 8-10 depending where i shop.

  • http://lisarutland.com Lisa Rutland

    Thank you for your compliment Michelle – I’m glad you liked the article.

    If you loose weight you loose weight all over your body. Your shape will stay relatively consistent. It might be quite difficult to achieve the hourglass statistics. Better to learn how to fool the eye into seeing you’re all hourglass.

  • http://lisarutland.com Lisa Rutland

    Hey Amy

    From these measurements I can’t place you in one of Trinny & Susannah’s categories. For instance you have a 36 bust but are you wide across the back or do you have a fuller cup? The best person to decide what shape you are is you. And then it’s only subjective and it’s only value is to help you eliminate various types of clothing from your wardrobe.

    What is the specific problem you’re having? Do you feel too leggy? Do you feel unshapely? These are the things to address not what shape your body is.

  • Aspen

    Hi I have been trying to figure out my body type lately as I am looking to do a major closet revamp.

    My shoulders are 38″
    My waist is 31-31.25″
    My hips are 40″

    My difference between shoulders and hips is exactly 5%
    The diff between waist and hips I figure at 21.87-22.5%%

    Which puts me in a pear category, however I am only 5’2″ and have both a short neck and short waist. Someone suggested for petite girls sometimes they are considered hourglasses even without the standard difference because of the overall appearance. Most of my height is in legs. I put weight on in legs and butt first (I do have saddlebags though not big one–I had em at 115 lbs too) but gain proportionately.

    What type would you say I am?

  • Bibi

    I believe measurements are VERY misleading. By my measurements, you’d think I have a great figure, at 6 feet tall (36.5, 27, 38.5) yet if you see me in the nude, I’m broad-shouldered, wide on the back and my hips and waist are barely OK (my shape has a little curve, not much). Long and shapely legs, long and shapely (a bit muscular) arms, OK butt. My boobs are very small (36A or 38A). Yet with sexy and tight clothing like miniskirts, mini-shorts, tube dresses, halter tops, etc I look great, almost like a barbie or a runway model, I believe way above average, but not when I take off my clothes! (then I look way too athletic because of my shoulders, back and arms, even though my legs and butt are OK).

  • http://lisarutland.com Lisa Rutland

    Its not really an issue. You could be a pear or an hourglass. What does it matter? The whole point of body shape is to be able to eliminate sorts of clothes that will not work for your shape and point you in the direction of what will. For instance anything that’s going to make your butt look wider you should probably avoid because you don’t need your butt to be wider. In some cases the opposite. It’s about finding balance and what works for you. Body shape is just a pointer in the right direction.

  • Michelle

    Lisa- Aww I’m going to be a cello forever? Shoot. I’ll try anyways, though. I don’t even know exactly what my measurements are; I just went by which shape seemed to most resemble mine.

  • sinead

    i dont know what i am so therefore dont know how to properly dress for my body shape
    i am 15, 157cm in height, have size 34C boobs, size 8-10 pants fits me but are loose at the waist and a bit tight around my thighs, big lower tummy, kinda big hips/thighs, average lower legs, big bum and my shoulders, tummy and hips/thighs are more/less in proportion with each other.
    i think i am an hourglass/cello but im not sure! please define this for me and tips on dressing for my shape!

  • sinead

    or maybe a bell!

  • http://lisarutland.com Lisa Rutland

    Hey Sinead – I’m not altogether sure what your shape is either since there’s just not enough information there.

    If you’re experiencing loose waist and bit tight around the thighs and hips then you’re bigger on the bottom. I’m afraid you will probably always have problems finding things that fit your waist and hips and thighs. Play up your waist. Minimise the lower half and have fun with your top half. Have a look at the tips for pear shaped women.

    LISA

  • Anneliese

    I’m definitely a cello! The only problem I have is…how do you dress for a largeer bust when you don’t really want to show it off? I don’t want people staring at my cleavage rather than looking at my face when we’re having a conversation!

    Thanks for explaining this :)

  • http://lisarutland.com Lisa Rutland

    Hi Anneliese

    I know what you mean about people having conversations with your cleavage!

    V necks really do work best for bigger breasts but if you’re not wanting to show too much cleavage then layering is the way to go. Wear something quite high necked with a v-neck underneath.

    LISA

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